GBM InkShow: Motion Computing J3400 Rugged Slate Tablet PC, Part 1

In Part 1, I give a tour of the J3400, as well as give my hands-on impression of this much anticipated release. In Part 2, I show off the new convertible mobile keyboard, the Flex Dock, give a demo of QuickNav, as well as show how the integrated camera with Flash works. Our Part 1 InkShow, with a gallery of pictures is after the break.

I can’t provide a hack for Windows, but many screen rotation scripts that work in Linux support four-way rotation (irregardless of the tablet) and automatic rotation. This tablet is absolutely amazing, and I’ve been definitely impressed.

I’m really disappointed to see no SXGA display. I’m not sure I want to go back to a low resolution screen, especially for portrait use, 800 wide?! argh!! Besides that, the other specs are top notch.

Rob, question for you… If holding the device in portrait orientation, the nicely rounded edges are NOT the ones against your fingers holding it. It actually comes to more of a pointed edge where your fingers would be. How pointed is it there? Do you think this would be problematic for say… 6-8 hours a day? (My Lenovo and LS800 are perfectly rounded in this area, providing no pointed areas and giving a nice grip for all day use). The J3400 looks nicely round on top, but pointed on the base where your fingers would wrap around, might not be bad in real life, but looks questionable.

Rob, regarding the 4 position rotation… it should be easy to hack a 4 position rotation utility but… I would not recommend it unless the Gobi radio is off. Bluetooth is very low power, no worries. WiFi is a bit more, and typical HSPA is more yet (I believe this is the right order, but I left this field a year ago and no longer have the Specs). These devices operate near microware frequencies, like well… your microwave. Unlike your microwave however, they are not enclosed as they need to broadcast their signal. The very short distance from the Top of the slate (allowed orientation) does in fact make a BIG difference in the amount of power reaching you (proximity to body parts, groin, heart). The power dissipates in an exponential manner, so the little distance makes a big difference. If the wireless radios are not in operation, it doesn’t really matter. If they’re on, I really don’t recommend it.

@bristolview – I have J3400 at the office and will test out the sharper edges in the morning. To my best recollection, I don’t recall it making that much of an impact to me while holding the slate in portrait mode.

@Rob, I work full time using a slate and pen input (no keyboard), so 8-10 hours a day handheld (no desk either) and almost exclusively in portrait (better for TIP use). That’s why my concern with the appearance of sharper corners in the portrait orientation (and my lack of love for the XGA low res screen). Thanks for checking for me.

@bristolview – I just tried holding the slate in portrait mode. My non-curved edge on the rights-side while holding in portrait mode doesn’t present any issues for me – it doesn’t feel sharp at all – non issue for one holding a slate throughout the day as far as I’m concerned. In fact, it actually feels quite comfortable to hold.